Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are a leading cause of car accidents in Louisiana and across the United States. In fact, in 2012 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) determined that 28% of crashes are rear-end collisions. A rear-end collision takes place when a trailing vehicle strikes the rear end of the preceding vehicle. There are many different causes for rear-end collisions, ranging from driver negligence or carelessness to texting while driving or even unforeseeable causes such inclement weather. Driver carelessness, however, remains the most common reason for a rear-end motor vehicle crash. If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a rear-end motor vehicle accident in the Lafayette area, our car accident lawyers at Broussard, David & Moroux can help you recover the fair compensation you and your family deserve.

It’s imperative that drivers pay attention to the road and other motor vehicles when driving. However, accidents are a fact of life. In Louisiana and in most jurisdictions, the law presumes that the following vehicle is legally responsible for the accident. However, in Louisiana, this presumption can be overcome if the following vehicle proves that the preceding vehicle caused the accident or negligently operated his or her vehicle in some way. Our experienced Lafayette car accident attorneys understand how this presumption works in the state.

Statistics show that rear-end accidents are most likely to occur in the following scenarios:

• Speeding – Drivers who travel at an excessive speed do not have the same amount of time to brake as drivers who obey the speed limit.
• Tailgating – Following a preceding vehicle too closely reduces the trailing driver’s time to react in emergency situations and also obstructs the driver’s ability to observe road hazards.
• Distracted driving – A driver using a cellular device, changing the radio or distracted by someone or something in the vehicle is unaware of his or her surroundings, unable to respond in emergency situations and unable to brake quickly.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol – An intoxicated driver is a danger to the road because the driver’s judgment and senses are impaired.
• Unsafe lane changes – A driver may be rear-ended if he or she unsafely changes lanes, cutting off the trailing driver.
• Sudden braking – If a driver suddenly brakes, causing an abrupt stop, the trailing driver may be unable to brake in time and crash into the preceding vehicle.
• Defective vehicle – If a vehicle breaks down or suddenly malfunctions, other drivers may be unable to respond. The manufacturer of the vehicle may be legally responsible for the defect and accident in this situation.

After a rear-end collision, a qualified Lafayette car accident lawyer can help you seek the just compensation you need to move forward with your life. The most common injuries suffered in rear-end collisions are lower back injuries, whiplash and neck injuries. Even if the accident occurred at a low speed, the sudden impact of the accident may cause devastating, life-changing injuries. Seeking medical treatment is also expensive and time-consuming. For a free initial consultation with a car accident attorney in the Lafayette area, contact Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323 (toll-free) or 337-233-2323 (local).

---